1 Chronicles 26:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 26:11 mean?

1 Chronicles 26:11 lists the names and order of Hosah’s sons—Hilkiah as the second, Tebaliah as the third, and Zechariah as the fourth—and states that Hosah had thirteen sons and relatives in total. This verse is part of a record detailing the organization of the gatekeepers in the temple.

The book of 1 Chronicles was written to document the genealogies and roles of Israel’s tribes, especially those serving in temple duties. In this verse, the chronicler is noting the descendants of Hosah, a gatekeeper from the Merari clan of Levites, and specifying their order and number. This information helped establish the structure and responsibilities for temple service in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 26:11

• "Sons" (בֵּן, ben): This word refers to male descendants, but in this context, it can also include close male relatives who served together, not just direct sons.
• "Brethren" (אָח, ach): This term often means brothers, but here it can refer more broadly to kinsmen or fellow clan members serving in the same role.
• "Thirteen" (שָׁלוֹשׁ, shalosh and עֶשֶׂר, eser): The Hebrew combines the words for "three" and "ten" to make "thirteen," emphasizing the exact count of Hosah’s family group involved in gatekeeping.

Why 1 Chronicles 26:11 matters

• This verse clarifies the organization and careful record-keeping of those who served in the temple, showing that each family’s contribution was counted and valued.
• By naming individuals and their order, the chronicler highlights the importance of lineage and duty among the Levites, reinforcing the legitimacy of their roles.
• The verse connects to the broader passage by showing how temple service was a shared responsibility among extended families, not just a single line of descent.